A Facebook post urged residents to charge their phones while they still have power, saying total outages are now under 500, down from a high of about 1,100. The post warned that more outages are expected and advised people to take necessary steps to prepare in advance.
Keeping mobile phones charged matters because they serve as a primary means of communication and can receive emergency alerts and updates from utilities and public safety agencies. A charged phone also helps residents contact family members, emergency services and utility crews if conditions worsen.
Authorities and emergency-preparedness experts generally recommend several simple precautions: fully charge phones and portable battery packs, keep a car charger available, gather flashlights and spare batteries, and assemble a basic emergency kit with water and nonperishable food. Conserving battery life by lowering screen brightness and closing unused apps can extend device availability during outages.
Power outages commonly result from severe weather, downed lines or equipment failures, and utilities work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Residents should monitor official channels for updates and follow any local guidance on safety and restoration timelines.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
